The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft during the month of August 2025, according to the Defence Headquarters.
Speaking during the monthly media briefing on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Markus Kangye highlighted that troops, working jointly with other security agencies, intensified nationwide operations to neutralize threats to national security and safeguard lives and property.
In the North Central region, security forces eliminated key terrorist commanders and arrested notorious criminals. Among those apprehended were Adamu Buba—also known as Mai-Pankshin—who had been terrorising Riyom, and Abdullahi Abubakar, notorious for attacks on Rafiki village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Similarly, two suspected gunrunners were arrested along the Kwoi-Keffi road in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while suspected kidnappers Mohammed Sanusi and Usman Alhaji Bala were apprehended in Obajana, Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
In the South-South, troops under Operation Delta Safe intensified the clampdown on oil thieves, foiling attempts to steal crude and refined products valued at over ₦545.8 million. The operation resulted in the seizure of 619,236 litres of stolen crude oil, 106,147 litres of illegally refined diesel, 5,785 litres of kerosene, and 2,650 litres of petrol. Troops also destroyed 97 illegal refining sites and over 488 pieces of equipment used by oil thieves.
Across all theatres of operation, the Armed Forces recovered a large cache of arms, including automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, anti-aircraft guns, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, improvised explosive devices, live cartridges, and assorted ammunition.
General Kangye noted that these successes were made possible by a renewed operational strategy, which also created a safer environment for farmers in conflict-prone areas to cultivate their crops during the farming season.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment, the Director Defence Media Operations emphasized that transparency, accountability, and public engagement remain central to ongoing operations, assuring citizens that efforts to restore peace and stability across the country would be sustained.
LV